Once you’ve blogged a book, promoting it becomes essential. Social media is a critical component to any marketing plan, but it’s easy to get bogged down in your social media efforts. You know you need to keep the content fresh, relevant and interactive, but producing quality content day in and day out can be challenging.
Not all social media content needs to be specifically from your book. You should talk about other things that might be related to the overall content or theme. In fact, I recommend following the 80/20 rule of social media, which dictates that 80 percent of your content should be “infotainment,” “edutainment,” tips, tricks, articles, quotes, questions, polls, helpful information, etc. Then 20 percent of the content can be self promotional, where you talk specifically about your book and its content. No one wants to be sold to all the time when they’re engaged in social media. By following the 80/20 rule, you’ll be sure to have compelling content that keeps your audience engaged and still get the message out about your book.
Here are 5 tips to help you keep your social media audience engaged with fresh content.
- Be timely. The calendar is your friend. Keep an eye on what’s new, not just in your world but in the world of your audience. Are you writing a book for children? Keep an eye on story times at your local library, share information about an upcoming event at the zoo or let your audience know when Sesame Street on Ice will be in town. Stay attuned to school holidays and time special events for days you know parents will be looking for amusement for their little ones.
- Be relevant. Ask yourself what your audience is looking for. Why do they follow you on Twitter? Why do they like you on Facebook? If you’ve written a fitness book, your followers likely have a shared interest in good health. Share a favorite healthy recipe or send out a “move of the day.” Highlight a local park that’s great for hikes, or let your audience know about an upcoming 5k run.
- Be interactive. Don’t just post and run – social media is supposed to be a conversation. Read what your friends, colleagues and competitors are writing. Comment on their posts and share interesting information. Bring something to the table!
- Keep a list. Inspiration strikes at the strangest times, so be prepared and make a note of ideas whenever – and wherever – you have them. If you overhear something funny on the bus, write it down! If someone gives you a great quote, ask if you can use it. Don’t forget to take pictures at every event you do to promote your book – perfect for Pinterest!
- Be Funny. Let’s face it; we all love a good laugh. And if the occasional funny video or silly picture isn’t exactly relevant, we forgive you – as long as it makes us laugh! Spend a few minutes now and then surfing for amusing clips or photos that might brighten someone’s day.
Savvy social media marketers know that while planning ahead is essential, you also have to stay on top of your social media efforts to keep them effective. Be flexible and ready to change course according to what’s going on in your business, your community or in the news, and let social media work for you.
Social media is an important marketing component to building a business around a book. Learn more about best practices for the various social media platforms and how you can truly maximize it for your business at the upcoming Expert Platform Building 101 + Entrepreneurial Fundamentals 102 event on May 19-20 in San Jose, CA. Get the details here.
About the Author
Erika Taylor Montgomery, CEO/Chief Publicist and Founder of Three Girls Media & Marketing Inc. (www.ThreeGirlsMedia.com) enjoyed an 18-year broadcasting career in the San Francisco Bay Area before transitioning to Public Relations. In 2005, Taylor Montgomery launched Three Girls Media & Marketing Inc., a public relations and social media agency that specializes in working with small and emerging businesses and authors.
Taylor Montgomery is also a sought-after public speaker and published author, providing invaluable insider know-how into working with the media, and how business owners can best utilize the press to promote their companies. She is the co-author of the bestselling book, The Spirit of Silicon Valley – Journeys & Transformations Beyond Technology, available on Amazon.com. She is the author of the forthcoming book, PR for the 21st Century – A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Business, Non-Profits & Entrepreneurs.
Join Nina Amir and Erika Taylor Montgomery at
Expert Platform Building 101 + Entrepreneurial Fundamentals 102
on May 19-20 in San Jose, CA. Get the details here.
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